13 Ways to Save a Bad Burger

As writer Daniel Duane learned the hard way, a great burger is really about the meat. But what if you’re stuck at a cookout with nothing but those stacks of frozen patties? That’s when a maximalist approach is not only okay, but required. Here are 13 ways to smother your less-than-stellar burger and make it awesome.

1. Beyond mayo. Make your own “secret sauce” (aka Russian dressing) and flavor it with herbs, like tarragon. Spike mayo with any one of the fiery condiments in your fridge—Sriracha, harissa, cherry pepper relish or Tabasco—to add a spicy kick. Or add just a touch of soy sauce to pump up your burger’s umami quotient.